The Lords Sense of Humor

A few weeks ago I was asked to speak in church. I find that I love the opportunity to write my talks, I just never particularly love giving them. The subject I was asked to speak on was "Finding Strength in Challenging Times". Coincidence....I think not. Now what seems to make this situation a little more humorous is the fact the just over a year ago I was asked to speak on Mother's Day regarding "Motherhood".

As you might imagine, both subjects were extremely hard for me to share my thoughts and feeling while attempting to stay composed in front of a congregation. I have mentioned several times that I am typically not an emotional person (although the Lord is trying to prove otherwise). If you have ever discussed my situation and circumstance with me you have probably found that I am fairly emotionless regarding the topic. I guess this is my way of coping and attempting to appear stronger than I sometimes think I am. I have found (especially over the past three months), it has become less and less easy for me to hold back the tears when discussing such a subject. I find that even the site of a new mother and her little one, or walking by the children's department in a store, will make my eyes welt up with tears right on the spot.

I decided I would simply just read my talk to the congregation in hopes that I might keep my emotions in check. I stayed fairly composed for a subject that has become dear to my heart over the course of this year. I wish to share some of what I gathered for my talk... my emotions on the subject, and excerpts that I shared on "Finding Strength in Challenging Times".

I have often wondered how anyone could possibly make it through this life, which is filled with hardship and disappointment, without the knowledge and testimony in the Gospel and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

At a young age I had to decide for myself how I wanted to get through my trails. I had to make up my mind whether I wanted my Father in Heaven on my side or if I wanted to fight against him. At the tender age of 12, I underwent a challenging surgery that would forever change the course of my life. I was somewhat forced to grow up quickly as I spent several months in and out of doctors offices and recovering from multiple surgeries all in hopes to find an explanation or solution to several medical mysteries.

There came a day where the thoughts and feelings of bitterness towards the Lord and my then current situation, crept into my mind and heart. In my 12 year old mentality, I was trying desperately to understand the burning question in my mind, "why me?" It was typically followed by the classic second half to this question, "what did I do, to deserve this?"

The way I saw it, I had two options: I could either blame the Lord, or learn from this experience. Thankfully, over time and through much prayer, I chose option number 2 and it has made all the difference in my life.

In D&C 122:7 we read, "All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good".

I have tried to keep this in mind as I have continued down a road that sometimes feels to be far off course than what I had mapped out for myself. I often try to convince myself that because of these experiences, I will appreciate motherhood and my future children all the more.

Alexandre Dumas, in his classic tale The Count of Monte Cristo, wrote, "For the happy man prayer is only a jumble of words, until the day when sorrow comes to explain to him the sublime language by means of which he speaks to God."

Unfortunately, for many of us, it takes a challenging time or trial in our lives to finally bring us to our knees. As Quoted in a talk given by Elder Rex D. Pinegar, "Our Father in Heaven has promised us peace in times of trial and has provided a way for us to come to Him in our need. He has given us the privilege and power of prayer.

The older I have become the more I have learned that tragic things happen to good people. God does not always cause them, nor does He always prevent them. He does, however, strengthen us and bless us with his peace, through earnest prayer. "We need to pray...for strength to endure, for faith and fortitude to face what sometimes must be faced (The Man and the Message)."

In the words of a popular LDS hymn we sing:

"When sore trials came upon you,

Did you think to pray?...

Oh, how praying rests the weary!

Prayer will change the night to day.

So, when life gets dark and dreary,

Don't forget to pray."

There is no doubt we live in a world plagued with tremendous turmoil, trials, heartache, sorrows, and grief. These are certainly challenging times, but there is peace through prayer and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that the Lord does not abandon us in our times of despair. The Lord knows us, he love us, and he will not leave us to stand alone if we seek his hand in all things. I have felt this through me personal trials, and I am grateful for all I have learned through such an experience.